BROOKLINE — Sitting on the floor after setting up the bushy balsam fir Christmas tree, stand and all, in an apartment with a view of the Boston skyline, Santa Claus leaned back on his hands. Looking up at the ceiling, he emitted a satisfied sigh.

Jimmy Rider, decked out in a red suit and hat, the cotton ball at the tip poking through a slit in his bike helmet, had just traveled from Somerville to Boston to Brookline by bicycle, lugging the six-foot tree in a trailer behind him.

He was spent but still full of cheer.

The real Santa has a sleigh and reindeer to do the hard work of bringing presents to people’s houses. But for Rider there’s no Prancer, Dancer, Donner or Blitzen. And there’s certainly no Rudolph to light the way.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Filmed over the course of four rides near the Jones Bikes headquarters in Southern Oregon, this latest Jones Bikes video combines high-quality riding footage with Jeff Jones' explanation of what makes these bikes ride so well. Learn more about the riding and the rider that created these bikes and bars, as well the thinking behind them.

I led my last Yay Bikes! Board meeting Monday evening after 4 years as Chair. I am excited to hand the reins over to our new Board Chair, Emily Monnig and Vice Chair, Brian Laliberte. Joe Powell has been reelected Treasurer and Rahel Myers Babb is our new Secretary. I look forward to being a part of a new chapter in our organization.I was humbled with the recognition and kind words from Catherine Girves after the meeting. You can read her words here as part of my profile. ~ Ray